Alaska Airlines and Virgin America have been busy behind the scenes looking for ways to make the travel experience as seamless as possible for guests flying across the airlines’ combined route network. As part of this, some of Virgin America’s travel policies related to boarding and check-in times, bags, pets and unaccompanied minors have been updated. The changes, which are outlined below, and which match policies already in place at Alaska are now in effect on all flights operated by Virgin America.

Domestic check-in cut-offs

For the past seven years, Alaska has been the No. 1 on-time major North American carrier. Being a leader in getting flights to their destinations on-time doesn’t happen by accident, and a key piece is ensuring that guests are able to check in for flights, check bags and make it through security with ample time to board their flights. For that reason, Virgin America’s check-in policy will now mirror Alaska’s, with all guests asked to check in (with or without bags) 40 minutes prior to departure.

Previous Virgin America policy

Time: 30 minutes prior to departure with no bags to check; 45 minutes with bags to check

New Virgin America policy

Time: Please check in with or without bags 40 minutes prior to departure at most airports.*

Unaccompanied minors

Flight type: Unaccompanied minors were not allowed on connecting or thru flights (also referred to as “direct flights,” these are flights that make a stop at a midpoint city before continuing on to their destination)

Price: $75-$125 depending on length of flight

New Virgin America policy

Age: 5 to 12 considered unaccompanied minor

Flight type: Children 5-7 allowed on non-stop and thru flights. Children 8-12 allowed on non-stop, connecting, and thru flights

Price: $25 on nonstop and thru itineraries

$50 on connections

For more information about the policy changes, please visit Virgin America’s website.

Hi Josh – upgrades on Airbus aircraft will debut in late 2018 (more here), but same-day confirmed is now available across Alaska and Virgin America (fees are waived for MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members.)

Has the Alaska policy about pets in first class changed? Just a few months ago it was 1 pet in carrier in the first class cabin. If this new process is to match Alaska and Virgin, I’m confused by why it says no pets in first class.